Discounts

[Bridey]

I have a friend who seems to get incredible discounts when buying a car from a dealer. It probably helps that he works in (non car) sales himself. Does anyone have any stories of how they get a good deal?

 

[HondaMan]

The most important thing is that you have to know the dealer price of the car. There are car books that provide this information. Then add a couple percentage points, for profit, and that is what you want to pay for the car. And forget the paint sealant, rustproofing, undercoating, etc. It's nothing you need and it's just more profit for the dealer.

 

[Car Hop]

I have a hard time with it myself. However, years ago, before the internet when cost was more hidden, I had 'the know' on pricing and really got the better of one salesman. That was fun.

 

[Fanbelt]

It sounds like great to make friend with him. I am not good in bargaining myself, so when it comes to purchasing a car, I always go with a friend of mine who know these things.

 

[jason]

A friend of mine bought a truck for the sticker price and got a good deal. It does help that they happened to mark the sticker price wrong, and he managed to get it for that price anyway.

 

[FiveSpeed]

The more informed and knowledgeable you can be before stepping into the dealership, the better deal you will obtain. More and more people these days are finding out what the dealer paid for the car (the wholesale, or factory cost), and thus are able to bargain up from that price, not down from the sticker. It helps to be informed.

 

[Angelinus]

I hate haggling so I think it may be better to just find a decent deal and decide a decent price for me to pay. I would probably make one offer and then back off.

 

[Chaoticdriver]

I am not good in bargaining either, I would be happy if I could get what I paid for. But that's what is called a good deal, right?

 

[HondaMan]

I always put everything on paper. Once I find out the cost of the car and the options I want, I put it all on paper and take it to the dealer. I give the paper to the salesman and say "There's my offer." If he accepts it, great, I got a new car. If not, it's on to the next dealership.